Mission, vision, values and tasks

As of January 1 2011, Play the Game is run by the Danish Institute for Sports Studies (Idan), an independent institution set up by the Danish Ministry of Culture.

Mission

The objectives of the Danish Institute for Sports Studies are

to establish a general overview of and insight into academic and other forms of research within the fields of sports and non-formal education nationally as well as internationally

to analyse the implications and perspectives of policy initiatives within the fields of sports and non-formal education

to initiate public debate on key issues regarding non-formal education and Danish and international sports politics

to organise the international Play the Game conference at suitable intervals for a target group of Danish and international journalists, academic researchers and sports officials to address current issues in sports politics

to strengthen the ethical foundations of sport and work to improve democracy, transparency and freedom of speech in international sports through the Play the Game conference and the institute’s other activities

to run and develop the Danish Institute for Non-formal Education (Vifo) with an independent research and communication profile

Vision

The Danish Institute for Sports Studies aims to contribute to a comprehensive and nuanced debate at a political level about the development of sport and the formulation of sports strategies as well as the field of non-formal education.

To meet this objective, the institute should

raise awareness and create insights into the links between sports, non-formal education, culture, health and society at a local, national and international level and thereby contribute to building a comprehensive understanding of sport

raise questions in the sports political debate and encourage a free, independent, transparent and fair debate on the affairs of sport and its development locally, nationally and internationally as well as on the field of non-formal education

create an overview of and provide perspectives on current research and debates about sport, sports politics and non-formal education nationally and internationally and assess the implications of initiatives on the fields of sports politics and non-formal education;

undertake research, write reports and do evaluations of issues of importance for the development of sport and the field of non-formal education

communicate insights and knowledge to the public in an accessible and relevant manner that gives journalists, academic researchers and decision-makers inspiration and tools to work with cultural, social and economic aspects of sport and non-formal education

create networks and partnerships across national borders and professional boundaries to facilitate debates on the challenges that arise from a globalised sport and media world

Values

The work at the institute will be based on

Independence: The work of the institute must not be influenced by political considerations or interest groups. This is the only way to ensure that the work of the institute will be credible and above reproach.

Professionalism: The work of the institute must be based on high standards of academic excellence combined with the ability to communicate well. That is the only way to ensure the necessary degree of fairness.

Relevance: The work of the institute must be of importance to key actors in sport and in non-formal education as well as for the development of both fields. That is the only way to ensure that the work of the institute is topical and dynamic.

Impact: The institute must be capable of presenting the findings of its work to the public in accessible and interesting ways. That is the only way to ensure that the institute can have an impact on the agenda regarding sports politics and non-formal education.

Tasks

The work of the institute must be based on high quality journalism or research within the social sciences but when relevant it can also draw on research from other forms of science (humanistic studies, medical and natural sciences). The institute will have the opportunity to use both interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary approaches.

The institute must be capable of summing up, processing and communicating current and relevant Danish and international research, and at short notice undertaking impact analyses of current ideas and initiatives in the areas of sports politics and non-formal education. At the same time, the institute must have the capacity to undertake its own research projects, investigations and evaluations – either on its own initiative or as part of commissioned work.

At suitable intervals – currently thought to be every second year – the institute will host the international Play the Game conference for a Danish and international target group of journalists, academic researchers and sports officials. The programme should address a number of current sports political issues. The international Play the Game conference can be supplemented with conferences, seminars and course activities at regional, national or local levels.

The institute should strive for close dialogue and cooperation with actors within sport, relevant public institutions, university degree programmes within sport and other relevant research institutions.

The institute must run and develop the Institute for Non-formal Education in close dialogue and cooperation with actors in the field of non-formal education. This institute should cover non-formal adult education in particular, including evening schools, folk high schools, people’s university as well as ideological and publicly-engaging children and youth activities cf. Law on Non-formal Education (including in particular scouts, political and religious youth organisations).

The Danish Institute for Non-formal Education should perform the following tasks in particular

produce and disseminate knowledge with a view to adding knowledge on practice and relevant developing needs in non-formal educational associations and on community level

pursue, discuss and provide recommendations to the development and documentation of non-formal education activities, including the production of supplementing statistics, evaluations and research

contribute to the enhancement of the collaboration between non-formal educational associations and other stakeholders including public actors

ensure the dissemination of its activities including activities aimed at continuing training, development of courses and activities aimed at relevant groups and strategic partnerships with relevant partners

ensure the coordination and cooperation with existing institutes within the area

on a regular basis host a perspective forum where main actors within non-formal education will be given the possibility to comment on the work of the Danish Institute for Non-formal Education and to put forward suggestions and inspiration for future efforts

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